Careers

Careers at Huxlow academy is an integral part of school life from where students begin to explore their talents in KS3 and realise their futures in KS4 and KS5. 

 

Career related learning aims at Huxlow

We define Career related learning as the provision that we offer to all of our students throughout all of the key stages to prepare and develop career and enterprise related skills before they leave and delve into the world of work, college, university or apprenticeships.  Our aims and careers development programmes are developed in line with the Career Development Framework as set out below:

The careers programme is mapped against the Gatsby benchmarks and leadership is CDI L6 qualified. SEND students follow the same opportunities as their peers with adjustments as necessary, they are supported using advocacies, visits and as many follow up interviews as is needed. We pride ourselves in our 100% positive destinations achievement. All Year 11 students are provided with the opportunity to speak with our trained careers advisor on a minimum of two occasions throughout the year to discuss next steps and to support students with impartial advice.  Year 12 and 13 students are also provided with this guidance in order to support their next steps, whether this be into the world of work, university life or the world of apprenticeships.

Our Careers Curriculum

Year 7 focus on exploration of ideas and potentials, the focus is on smashing stereotypes, having ambitious ideas, working on their dream careers, and working through on self-improvement as a learner. They begin to consider their key competences by accessing Unifrog and beginning their career journey. Unifrog is a key tool for all year groups and is integral in ensuring students are targeted on their journey through interests and personality quizzes which help to guide them on their evolving journey. Students will also participate in a Bring your child to work day in order to experience a work place and what it is like to be an ‘employee for the day’.

Year 8 continue to explore the world of careers by delving into the recruitment process and what it entails to apply for and be successful at an interview.  Students will also be able to investigate different workplaces and discover some of their interests, that they may have investigated in Year 7.  Students will also start to learn about the labour market and begin to think about their own CV, as well as a topic on financial education and money management.

Year 9 is an extremely important year as students make their GCSE option choices, to support their discovery we invite the year group to our careers fair. They identify their interests and begin to consider pathways to support their choices by building on their key competencies. We offer an opportunity to take part in group interviews where students can express their skills and interests as well as having an experience of the workplace through – Take Your Child to Work Day (COVID allowing).

Year 10 students continue to update their competencies and interactions on Unifrog to add to their individual targeted programmes. They continue to build on their interests and choices by identifying pathways and opportunities, they consider the debate regarding university and apprenticeships. Learning leaders will continue to inspire students to continue studying their subject area.

Year 11 continues a full timetable of careers activities and key dates takes place. Including individual interviews with the team and an independent careers practitioner, who also provides guidance on careers and future pathways. There is a full induction programme including transition tasks for students moving into KS5. Resilience is a key competency and is worked on through revision and practice and by constantly reflecting on each area of strength and weakness via UNIFROG interactions and competencies.

As students move into KS5, there are many opportunities for students to attend open days and talks on pathways and careers options. The Assembly rota focuses on key skills, life skills, finance – including student finance, application processes including UCAS and interview skills. As part of our ‘Futures Week’ various speakers present at our conference regarding life choices, skills and opportunities. Parents are invited to a further education evening to gain knowledge of the opportunities and the process of application. dents.

In addition, Year 12 & Year 13 have the opportunity to complete a week of work experience. Throughout KS5 students are involved in voluntary community and charity work.

CAREERS LEARNING JOURNEY

 

UNIFROG - our student platform

Our Careers programme of study uses Unifrog resources and aims to meet Gatsby benchmarks in order to fulfil our aim of supporting our students in understanding aspects of careers and enterprise from when they join us in Year 7 until when they leave in Year 13. It forms a one stop shop for all careers related learning and supports our PSHE focus to help build the whole child.  Students can explore how interests lead to different education and training pathways.  By engaging with their Unifrog account outside of the classroom, students can build a portfolio as they progress through the school and be fully prepared for whichever pathway they choose once they have completed their studies.  

Sign In - Unifrog

LMi - Labour market information 

Explore Labour Market information here with information of jobs that might suit different personalities and an opportunity to compare average salaries of different career pathways.  There are also lots of other important Labour Market websites and pieces information that can be found through this page.

APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORT AND KNOWLEDGE

 Our Apprenticeships Guide 2024 is here!


To celebrate the start National Apprenticeship Week, we are launching our brand new Apprenticeships Guide for parents and carers – and it’s free for you to download now. Our new digital guide is packed full of vital information to help you guide your child as they decide whether an apprenticeship could be for them.


Sponsored by the National Audit Office, the fourth edition of our Apprenticeships Guide contains insider insights from employers, interviews with today’s apprentices – and in-depth information about apprenticeship programmes across 17 industries.

Download for free

The Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools and Colleges Programme has resources for all years, including Sixth Form.

ASK - Free Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY 

Year 7 are being given the opportunity to experience the world of work first hand by joining a parent, carer or family friend in a place of work for the day on 25th April 2024.  All students should have received the relevant forms, a copy of which can be found here:

 TYCTW Letter

 

Could you help us help you? https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/give-an-hour

Could you give an hour?  We'd like to invite you to give an hour and make a difference to the future career choices that a young person makes.  Our aim is to ensure that our young people leave us with a complete passport of skills, knowledge, attitude and qualifications required by employers.

You could help our students meet Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees and 6: Experiences of workplaces.  Could you help shape the next generation of employees?  Your real life encounters could help our students prepare for the world of work in the following ways:

  • Employer talks and assemblies
  • CV preparation and mock interviews
  • Site visits
  • Work shadowing

Please contact Ms Zoe Correa if you are able to support us at Huxlow with employer engagement. z.correa@huxlow.northants.sch.uk

OUR PARTNERS:

South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP)

Supporting school and college staff to embed employer-led core skills competencies into the curriculum, and promote and showcase activity that inspires young people into careers in high growth sectors.

https://www.semlep.com/about-semlep/

UCAS

The UCAS website is full of information for students who are considering university as their next steps - from their initial registration, through to university and course choices and advice on writing their personal statement

https://www.ucas.com/

 

The National Citizen Service (NCS)

The National Citizen Service (NCS) is a voluntary personal and social development programme for 16-17 year olds in England and Northern Ireland, funded largely by money from the UK Government.  The scheme takes place in the summer or autumn (coinciding with the school holidays) and usually consists of :

  • Phase 1 ('Adventure'): Five days at an outdoor activity centre
  • Phase 2 ('Discovery'): Work experience and mentoring
  • Phase 3 ('Social Action'): Run a local social action project
  • Phase 4 ('Celebration'): A special 'graduation' event

Volunteers usually pay £50 each to take part in the scheme, but there are bursaries for those from low-income households.

https://wearencs.com

 

University of Northampton (UoN)

We work closely with UoN to access a comprehensive suite of activities that support and inspire our young people.  The programme informs learners of all ages about the range of opportunities and pathways open when considering higher education.  The university supports us with all stages of UCAS and engages with students right down to Y8.

https://www.northampton.ac.uk/more/schools-and-colleges/

 

University of Cambridge

 

 

Our linked College is Pembroke, we take a group of high flying Y11s every year to experience a day at one of the world's most prestigious Universities.  This is followed up with the CUSU Shadowing Scheme which brings UK students from state schools without a tradition of top university entry to Cambridge for three days.  Prospective students come to Cambridge and spend time with a current undergraduate, studying a subject that they are interested in, who they 'shadow'.

https://www.applytocambridge.com/shadowing/apply/

 

National Careers Service

Provides information, advice and guidance to help make decisions on learning, training and work.  Use the careers tools to help with choices on careers, training and work.  Whatever your situation, there's something to help.

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

 

The Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools and Colleges programme (ASK)

This programme is funded by the National Apprenticeship Service, part of the Department for Education.  The programme is designed to give schools, colleges and other educational establishments across England free support to develop and transform how your students think about apprenticeships.

https://amazingapprenticeships.com/about-ask/

 

Enterprise Centre, East Northants

We have established links with the Enterprise Centre, East Northants which have included a construction site visit and an assembly to targeted young people.  The site will offer start-up and growing businesses first rate flexible workspace and business support when the new £8 million state-of-the-art facility opens at Warth Park, Raunds in Spring 2020.  It is ENC's ambition to increase and improve the skills base across the district and by providing a space which will create up to 785 jobs in the first 10 years.

Construction work started on 24 June 2019 and is being carried out by industry specialists, ASHE Construction.

CAREERS INFORMATION AROUND THE COLLEGE

Careers Information

Careers Information

Careers Lead - Ms zoe correa

Email -  z.correa@huxlow.northants.sch.uk

Tel - 01933 650496 Ext 1213

careers advisor - Mr Gerard O'Callaghan

Email - g.o'callaghan@huxlow.northants.sch.uk

Our careers information is measured through year group evaluations and monitoring of teaching support. Website information is reviewed each term.

Thriving Through Excellence